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Tanzania · Safari destination

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak — a climb of five to eight days, depending on the route.

Plan a safari to Mount KilimanjaroSee 6 journeys
Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the plains of northern Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the plains of northern TanzaniaPhotograph: Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Credits
Country
Tanzania
Managed by
Tanzania National Parks
Summit
Kibo, 5,895 m
Other peaks
Mawenzi 5,149 m · Shira 3,962 m
Climb
5–8 days on one of six routes
Our journeys here
6 journeys in the catalogue
Is Mount Kilimanjaro right for you?

Who it suits.

Best for
Fit, well-prepared trekkers with time to acclimatise, on the Machame, Marangu or Lemosho routes our treks use.
How it connects
Most climbers arrive through Kilimanjaro International or Arusha airports, with transfers from Moshi or Arusha to gates such as Marangu, Machame and Londorossi. From Kenya, the mountain forms the backdrop to Amboseli.

Mount Kilimanjaro in our Tanzania guide, with the places around it.

Why visit Mount Kilimanjaro

The roof of Africa.

At 5,895 metres, Kibo is the highest point in Africa, and TANAPA describes Kilimanjaro as the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, its summit covered in snow all year despite lying close to the equator. Reaching the top is a serious undertaking that rewards time: TANAPA advises choosing an itinerary with acclimatisation days, ascending slowly and staying hydrated, and notes that the more days you allow, the better your chance of success.

The mountain has three peaks. Kibo is the highest; Mawenzi, at 5,149 metres, is rugged and keeps the marks of glaciation; and Shira, at 3,962 metres the oldest, collapsed long ago to form the scenic Shira Plateau. All climbs must be guided by a licensed operator, as solo trekking is not permitted, and the park preserves distinct climatic zones from the forest to the summit.

Landscapes & wildlife

Three volcanoes, one mountain.

Kibo’s snow-capped summit, Mawenzi’s glaciated ridges and the broad Shira Plateau give the mountain three distinct characters, and each route approaches them differently. On the mountain, the Marangu route uses alpine huts at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo, while the other routes are served by designated tented camps run by licensed operators. Conditions change quickly at high altitude, so cold-weather and rain gear are essential on every route.

  • Kibo summit, 5,895 m
  • Mawenzi’s glaciated ridges
  • The Shira Plateau

Wildlife moves freely and sightings are never guaranteed.

Signature experiences

On Kilimanjaro.

Getting there

Getting to Kilimanjaro.

Most climbers arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. The park’s gates include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho (reached via Londorossi) and Rongai in the north, with Mweka Gate used for the descent, and licensed operators provide transfers from Moshi or Arusha. Before and after a trek, a wide range of hotels and lodges is available in Moshi and Marangu.

Practical advice

Before you climb.

  • Every climb must be guided by a licensed operator; solo trekking is not permitted.
  • Choose an itinerary with acclimatisation days, ascend slowly, stay hydrated and report symptoms to your guide promptly.
  • Carry proper cold-weather and rain gear: conditions change quickly at altitude.
Questions travellers ask

Mount Kilimanjaro, answered.

Can I climb Kilimanjaro on my own?
No. Tanzania National Parks requires every climb to be guided by a licensed operator.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Between five and eight days, depending on the route. TANAPA notes that more days improve your chances of reaching the summit.
Related destinations

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these sources in October 2026. Park rules, fees and conditions change, so always check the latest before you travel.

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